Parks and Recreation Intern

Our Parks and Recreation agency is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic intern to join our dynamic team. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of parks and recreation, contributing to the development and maintenance of community spaces, organizing events, and engaging with the public. The selected candidate will have the chance to work on various projects and learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Work with the Director to assist, shadow, and/or perform assigned tasks for each division within the Parks and Recreation department including, but not limited to: 
2. Contribute to the planning and execution of park/town events, programs, and activities.
  
3. Be involved with community engagement and public relation activities.
  
4. Prepare documents and operate our facility software, Civic Rec.
  
5. Any other duties delegated by the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

•           Current enrollment in a relevant degree program.

•           Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to work.

•           Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

•           Enthusiastic and passionate about serving the community. 

•           Ability to work independently or collaboratively in a team environment. 

•           Basic computer skills such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Town-related Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees working in the Town should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration - Gets along with and maintains positive relationships with coworkers. Is willing to help with all types of work, no matter how big or small the task. Asks for and listens to coworkers’ feedback; incorporates feedback into revised processes. Positively reinforces team members for their contributions and accomplishments. Admits mistakes when they occur, learns from them, and enables others to do the same. 
• Service to Citizens - Always represents the Town of Plainfield well; maintains personal accountability and ownership for customer service. Let customers know that he/she is willing to work with them to meet their needs. Follows up to ensure that requests and concerns are resolved. Understands customer problems and needs; quickly and effectively solves customer problems. Does more than what is normally required to resolve customer concerns. 
• Professionalism - Demonstrates professionalism in appearance and actions. Maintains timely, personable, and effective communications with citizens and the general public, and local or intergovernmental contacts and neighboring community leaders. Demonstrates flexibility and a positive attitude when change occurs. Does not participate in conversations or actions that are disrespectful to others. Uses Town resources and assets wisely, efficiently, and according to Town policy. 
• Dependability - Attends work as scheduled; follows the attendance policy and informs his/her manager of absences in advance. Accepts assignments willingly and can be counted on to complete tasks on time. Completes tasks accurately and thoroughly, eliminating the need for close review. Timely follow-through on tasks and projects issued by the Department Head, Town Manager, or Town Council. Does what he/she commits to doing. 
• Interpersonal Communications - Communicates clearly, accurately, and respectfully with coworkers and customers. Keeps the Town Council well-informed of any incidents or issues; especially regarding offsite incidents. Keeps sensitive and confidential matters private. Listens to others and seeks to understand others’ perspectives. Willingly accepts feedback and incorporates it into work activities and interactions. 
• Job Knowledge and Work Habits - Takes pride in work and coworkers; performs work with a positive attitude that enables others to perform well. Is willing to ask questions when the job or task is not fully understood. Willingly participates in training to maintain or enhance current knowledge of principles, procedures, methods, and/or technology. Maintains an optimistic outlook when faced with difficulty or change and makes an effort to overcome obstacles. Retains the expected job knowledge; helps others by sharing knowledge.

Job-related Competencies – To perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Delegation – Delegates work assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Education and/or Experience: Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or postgraduate in an accredited university pursuing a degree in the related field.

Other Skills and Abilities: The following skills and abilities are either required or desired.

• Computer software skills desired include: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Rec Trac.
• The ability to make sound and rational decisions including exercising independent judgment within established protocols and guidelines is required.

• Must have a strong ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing regarding service information and public relations.

• The ability to interact with all levels of employees and guests.
• The ability to be detailed oriented to be able to process information accurately.
• The ability to develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of current principles, codes, and safety protocols and risk management relating to recreation facility operation and programs is required.
• The ability to enforce rules and follow all established protocols and guidelines is required.
• The ability to operate a computer, printer, copy machine, scanner, fax machine, and other office equipment is required.
• The ability to speak, read and write in English is required. Spanish is desired.
• Ability to make sound and rational decisions including exercising independent judgment.
• Must maintain a positive attitude and uphold PARKS values at all times.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); working near moving mechanical parts; and the risk of electrical shock when working with office equipment; and outdoor weather conditions. The employee occasionally is exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

While the RAC is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, this position may require work beyond these hours and on holidays.

Salary : $15